Last year, we covered the very cool Novonaut AMADEE-24 Mars Analog Mission Timer from Swiss watchmaker Fortis, which was designed to survive a trip to Mars. Following the Novonaut’s debut in 2023, it was also the first time we saw the space-travel-inspired chronograph on a titanium bracelet (previous versions were on steel). Unfortunately, this watch was limited to just 100 pieces. Those who missed out have been clamoring for a lightweight Novonaut that’s not limited in production. Luckily, the wait is over!
From Astronauts to Cosmonauts
We know that Omega’s Speedmaster beat out models from an array of brands to become the watch that NASA equipped all of its manned space flights with. After a few years of consideration, NASA finished deliberation in 1965.
However, prior to Omega’s “takeover,” Swiss watchmaker Fortis was the one supplying the fledgling NASA with watches as early as 1962. Its Spacematic AR chronograph was designed to handle extreme conditions, including temperature changes, making it a fine choice for space travel.
While the Spacematic is still part of Fortis’ catalog today, it’s largely a time-and-date watch these days. Instead, the brand looks to its Novonaut watch as the de facto aviation chronograph. Introduced in 2023, the Novonaut serves as a modernized version of Fortis’ B-42 Cosmonauts Chronograph, which became, essentially, the Russian Space Agency’s own Speedmaster of sorts. Starting in 1994, the B-42 was on the wrists of cosmonauts until 2003.
Built for Space
Fast forward to 2022, when Fortis embarked on a highly-publicized mission to space with the help of the Swedish Space Corporation. It’s (relatively) easy for a wristwatch to survive space travel if it’s kept within the confines of a space suit or spacecraft. But to test its movement under the actual conditions of bare space, Fortis developed the first-ever movement (made with the help of La Joux-Perret) specifically designed for use in outer space. It then took thirteen of these WERK 17 chronographs, naked, 30km into space with the help of a helium gas-propelled balloon.
Well, the mission was a success, and eleven of the thirteen watches worked perfectly fine, with only one or two experiencing minor mechanical issues. About a month later, the WERK 17 caliber debuted to the public in the brand-new Stratoliner, and later, the Novonaut AMADEE-24. More than anything, that original 2022 mission showed onlookers that Fortis still had the dedication and intuition required to boldly go where no watch has gone before.
Fortis Novonaut N-42 Titanium Legacy Basics
Combining elements from both the AMADEE-24 (Mars watch) and the stainless steel Legacy Edition variant that was part of the inaugural trio launched upon the Novonaut’s debut in 2023. The new Titanium Legacy carries over the matte black dial and 60-minute bezel insert from the steel version, along with the overall left-side chronograph dial layout with the day-date display.
However, it gets the titanium case build and gold accents from the Mars watch, coming together to make a truly handsome timepiece. A new touch specific to the N-42 Titanium is the circular graining on the three chronograph subdials, which pair well with the matte dial. Also, the Super-LumiNova glows blue in low light.
Just like the previous Novonauts, the N-42 Titanium features a 42mm case diameter with a 51mm lug-to-lug and 15mm thickness. Water resistant to 200m, the watch is also significantly lighter than the steel version — 5.68oz compared to almost 8oz. This is a big watch so the shedded weight will make a difference.
Featuring an engraved rocket symbol, the closed caseback hides the famous WERK 17 automatic chronograph movement that was sent to space. This has a power reserve of 60 hours. The watch is also adorned with a titanium bracelet.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 42mm
Lug-to-Lug: 51mm
Case Thickness: 15mm
Case Material: Titanium
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Fortis WERK 17 automatic chronograph
Band: Titanium bracelet
Limited Edition?: No
Pricing & Availability
Now part of the permanent range, the Novonaut N-24 Titanium Legacy is priced at $5,360. Head over to Fortis’ website to learn more.
Recap
Fortis Novonaut N-42 Titanium Legacy
After its limited-edition Mars watch from last year, Fortis finally made a production version of its titanium Novonaut, with all the best elements from previous versions of the space watch.
